Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Ingredients:

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cups fine bread crumbs (from about 4 slices of fresh bread)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¾ cup milk
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Glaze Ingredients:

¾ cup ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons mustard

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Instructions

Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onions, and fresh bread crumbs.

Add Moisture:
Pour the milk and beaten eggs directly over the breadcrumbs to allow them to soak up the moisture.

Season:
Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the mixture.

Mix Gently:
Using your hands, gently fold the ingredients together just until combined. Avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough meatloaf.

Make a Foil Sling:
Create a foil sling by layering two long pieces of foil (each about double the length of your air fryer basket). This will help you lift the meatloaf in and out easily.

Shape the Meatloaf:
Place the beef mixture in the center of the foil and shape it into a loaf about 6–7 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2–3 inches high.

Prepare for Air Frying:
Fold the ends of the foil up to create handles, then carefully place the meatloaf into the air fryer basket using the foil sling.

Cook (First Round):
Air fry at 370°F for 15 minutes.

Cover and Cook Again:
After 15 minutes, cover the meatloaf loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes.

Notes

Always preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes before cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness – 160°F is the safe internal temperature.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
Don’t overmix the meat mixture – this creates a dense, tough texture.
Use fresh bread crumbs instead of dried for better moisture retention.
Choose ground beef with some fat content (80/20 blend) for juiciness.
Add minced garlic or herbs like thyme or parsley to the meat mixture.
Try different mustards in the glaze – Dijon or whole grain work well.
Season the meat mixture and let it rest for 30 minutes before shaping for deeper flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 370 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 710 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 26 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg